Isn't this usually a first step to tackling one? To admit there is a problem there?
On the face of it I think not in my case. Now it's not a question of how frequently I gamble. More to the point, how much I gamble when I hit the slots for a day. Even when I reach dizzy heights of trebling my initial startout, I find a way to lose the lot.
Of course, I'm a procrastinating, lonely individual, who can often be seen to leave life stresses out of the way when gambling. It's not even remotely fun anymore, I do it to escape work grumbles, family grumbles, and it's 1000 times harder when I spend 5-6 days a week... working around gamblers (bingo clubs aren't ideal but it's been my job for 4+ years now).
This is honestly the first time I've ever sought extra support/advice - as I'm more a "spend til its gone" person right now, on a binge once/twice a month, often then having to borrow (have payday loan debts that I can't pay for 5/6 companies), and utilise my mums personal credit card to keep me on track for the resullting 2/3 weeks of nothingness.
It's hard on everyone around me. Not just myself. And I have no idea how to even consider going about stopping. Addictive traits, signs of autism, familiarity to the environments - yet only 1 person that I work with now has an idea that it is as grave as it is.
Thanks for reading if you got this far.
I know what you mean , I know I have a big problem with slot s , I go to so long and then the urge sets in to get on the fobts again and get s win and when you do , you think right keep going and more money for this that and the other , but no it always goes back in and coming out of the bookies feeling sick ! , I know I have a problem and think the only way is hypnosis , as you go for so long , but the urge always comes back to get back on the machines!
Welcome Annonymous1984gambler - This really is the right place for you to start and I'm glad you've found it. I've only been here a couple of weeks, but this place is magic when it comes to helping me to control my urges to gamble.
There's a real sense of community and support here, so it never feels like I'm ever alone with my problem. And everybody here has a common understanding of what we're all going through when it comes to gambling.
Although I feel like an novice here - I'm only 8 days gamble free - so I can't really lay on any advice - but I'd say please stick around, start a recovery diary, read plenty of the threads and take a look at the other support options such as counselling or chat rooms.
I hope over time life does get easier for you. And it will - it has to - if you stop gambling. This really is the best place to start making the changes.
All the very best
Equinox
Hello anonymous1984gambler
Welcome to the forum it may help to talk things through with one of the advisers on our helpline or net line. Advisers will listen to your concerns and can offer strategies and information on counselling you may want to consider. Counselling services are free and across the UK
The helpline is 0808 8020 133 please see here for the netline http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline The helpline and netline are open 8am - midnight every day.
There is also free expert debt advice with StepChange they can help you look at the best options for you regarding your finances. Please see here for further information. http://www.stepchange.org/
We also have daily live chat rooms for peer support. http://www.gamcare.org.uk/chatroom
Keep posting we are here to support you
Forum admin
The chatroom was my saving grace really. It helped me connect the pieces of the puzzle and give me the strength to want to stop gambling. I now try and check in there as much as I can.
Other than that - try and come on here as much as possible. Look into getting blocks. And try and fill your time as much as possible. It's almost like we have to rewire our brains again.
Best of luck with things.
I daresay I'm finding it a big challenge to even get my head straight right now - making mistakes at work, making errors with simple cash transactions - and simply now feeling myself.
Often I find myself wanting to withdraw but I can't hide when there's customers to serve. I can't hide when there's things to do regarding work stuff.
To cap it all off my mum belittles me slightly and worries what I'd live like if she wasn't there.
Gamcare removed the link I posted in the previous comment, which contained detailed information on what has worked for me for the last 25 years.
But to read it click on my name, follow the link to my addiction blog, and read the piece in the center entitled “Recovery Strategy - Staying off gambling one day at a time”.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
